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It’s a barely dot on the map in north Norfolk, with a pocket-handkerchief village green, brick-and-flint cottages, church, telephone box, and just 100 people.

On your average afternoon, an occasional hen skitters across the main street (aptly known as ‘The Street’) and the only sounds are those of birdsong and the distant thrum of tractors. Thursford is pretty enough, but no reason to stop.

Well, not usually anyway. Come November 6, the narrow country road north from the A148 between Fakenham and Holt will be heaving with cars and coaches.

Why? Because tucked behind a hedge, and normally unnoticed, a five-and-a-half acre car park is pulsing with lights and Christmas music - and will continue...

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